Last chance to set the standards for the animal care industry

Lantra Sector Skills Council is alerting animal care managers and professionals that they only have one month to influence the Standards for their industry as their online survey opens on 15 November and closes on 17 December 2010.

Lantra launched the UK-wide review this summer to examine the management and technical roles, skills and responsibilities in the animal care industry as part of a Level 4 National Occupational Standards review. The final step in the review is an online survey that will take place from Monday 15 November to Friday 17 December 2010. Lisa Jarvis, Lantra’s Animal Care Industry Partnership Manager, says: “The Standards provide valuable information for businesses by helping employers identify the skills their employee’s need, highlight best practice, develop training plans and develop job descriptions. These Standards also form the basis of animal care qualifications.” Lisa added: “This review has focused on the technical skills linked to job roles and it has led to the development of new units on managing animal welfare, behaviour, training, bio-security and breeding. We want as many people as possible to get involved as this is your opportunity to pass on your expertise to make sure your ways of working are accurately reflected. You will be helping to shape the future of your industry’s Standards.” Higher Education Institutions with animal related provision are also invited to contribute to the review as the standards are used for mapping during curriculum development, review and accreditation. Lisa concluded: “National Occupational Standards are an essential tool for any size business. They help to identify skills gaps and find the most relevant training and learning. This can help businesses with continuous professional development of both managers and of the workforce. Standards cannot be developed without your help. Only by working together can we make sure that the revised Standards will take into account any new business practices and make them fit for purpose and valued by all.” To take part in the online survey, visit www.lantra.co.uk/animal-NOS. If you have any questions about the review, you can contact us by emailing standardsandquals@lantra.co.uk or calling 02476 858 424. -ENDS- ISSUED BY: Caroline Judd, Lantra Press Office – contact media@lantra.co.uk or call 02476 858 407. NOTES TO EDITOR: About Lantra • Lantra is the Sector Skills Council for land-based and environmental industries, working to ensure these businesses access the training, qualifications, skills and knowledge they need. • An independent UK organisation, Lantra works with employers and the UK’s governments to address the skills and productivity needs of approximately 230 businesses (one in every ten UK businesses) in: agriculture; animal care; animal technology; aquaculture; environmental conservation; equine; farriery; fencing; fisheries management; floristry; game and wildlife management; land-based engineering; horticulture, landscape and sports turf; production horticulture; trees and timber and veterinary nursing. • By working together with the sector, Lantra leads research on skills issues and business needs, sets national standards and develops qualifications to meet modern business needs and help businesses grow through skills. • For more information see www.lantra.co.uk. • The animal care industry covers a variety of activities. Lantra estimates that there are approximately 12,650 businesses and 78,000 people working in the animal care industry in the United Kingdom. The animal care industry is large and diverse and includes the following: Pet shops Animal boarding establishments Animal breeding Animal training (including animals in entertainment and education as well as working animals such as uniformed/security dogs) Pet styling and grooming Animal welfare charities Animal care services (for example animal hydrotherapy, dog walkers/sitters) Zoos and wildlife parks (including wildlife rehabilitation) Animal visitor attractions Animal related public services (for example dog/animal wardens).

Tags: